Trump’s war on journalists has hit a dangerous new low. After refusing to answer questions from CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta during a press conference this week, Trump revoked his press pass altogether. Worse, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders justified the ban by falsely accusing Acosta of assaulting a White House intern and promoted a doctored video to back up her allegations.1

In a democracy, elected officials do not decide which reporters can write about them. They do not try to discredit reporters who ask tough questions, and they certainly do not promote fake evidence of false accusations.

Independent journalism is one of our most powerful tools to hold Trump accountable. If Trump can punish reporters who question him without any consequences, impartial journalism itself is under threat – and so is our democracy.